Swansea, a ship & the Ancient Mariner

The beach city of Wales

The Coleridge in Wales festival journey arrives in Swansea SA1 - with an historic sailing ship.

The University of Wales Trinity St Davids, Swansea City Counciland ABP Ports have come together to bring the ship of the Ancient Mariner from the great British adventure poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner to Swansea.

What is it all about?
The ship of the Ancient Mariner sailed to the South Pole where, in the poem, the Mariner shoots an albatross. Because he has destroyed a beautiful, living thing the winds blow the ship to the Equator where the ship's crew all perish under the burning heat of the sun. The Mariner survives, and is given the ability to be a blessing to the natural world. He returns to the Bristol Channel to tell his story... and give a warning.

In Swansea, near the ship, we will be placing a cubed meter of ice. This large ice block represents the melting polar icecaps of our planet. We'll be asking the question: What is the role of Swansea in creating a sustainable future for Wales?

Swansea has a big vision and ambition for the future of the city. We'll be celebrating it. Come and see the ship, learn about the story, and see the melting ice cap.

Coleridge in Wales festival is a celebration of human spirit, imagination, creativity and community in the landscape of Wales.